Mesmerizing Memphis
As I’m wrapping my week here in Memphis, enjoying the sunny view of the Mississippi river as I type, I’m grateful for the warm welcome of the city and it’s inhabitants, despite my initial reservations. Walking around the downtown streets and getting to experience the local culture has me convinced now that this city is a worthy of a longer stop. On the surface Memphis seems run down. Badly paved streets, not a lot of walkable neighborhoods, run down corridors. But if one looks deeper, one might notice that there is a lot of history and pride this city carries. Here are some of my favorite things I got to experience in Memphis.
Beale Street - this neat music center downtown is a sprawling lively neighborhood filled with restaurants where rockabilly and blues music is prevalent. I got to check out The Rockin 88s - a rockabilly band at the Blues City Band Box. And some of their original songs including Elvis renditions left me in awe as I got to see them on a random Monday night.
While downtown, I also marveled at the sunset views from the rooftop bar at Hu Hotel. I then headed to Bardog Tavern for dinner where I got to see people smoking inside. I haven’t experienced that in a while! The bar lively, full of locals, food was incredible and the staff was very friendly.
Sun Studio - This is Elvis’ recording studio where I got to hold his recording microphone. I highly recommend taking the free guided tour with Geoff the tour guide. He was very lively and told some incredible stories about the first few years of Elvis’ career.
Stax Museum - This museum showcased the start of the genre of soul music. So many artists like Otis Redding, James Brown, Aretha Franklin etc were discovered here. I got to purchase another record containing a compilation of Stax artists. I recommend watching the intro video in the theatre before starting the tour.
Hernandos Hideaway - this bar was one of the first places where Elvis performed. I got to see a local Memphis artist who blew me away with her vocals and bass guitar. The “Elvis Was Here” sign gave me a chuckle. I would skip eating dinner here as the food was predominately bar food.
Overton Park - Not to forget about Ziggy… this park is nested right in the middle of the city and offers so many incredible outdoor activities for its locals. There is a golf course, a wooded walking path, a dog park, plenty of green area for picnics and a paved path. Ziggy got to enjoy the sunset views while we strolled on the wooden path and also played with other dogs at the dog park.
Graceland - I’m leaving this attraction for last as it was my least favorite visit of the city. Yes it’s about Elvis and his carreer. But the Graceland grounds seem tired, worn down and forgotten. I think the complex needs a renovation badly. I’m glad I visited, but I am happier I got to experience other parts of Memphis’s history and culture.
I’m so glad I’ve made my route filled with both city and mountain escapes. I’ve enjoyed my time here at Tom Sawyer’s RV park in West Memphis and look forward to heading to the Smoky mountains next.
